Sound Check: Klaxons Releasing EP On Christmas

Klaxons to release new EP on Christmas Day: If you thought that Gorillaz dropping their new LP The Fall on the most holy of days was all the distraction you'd get from your family, think again. British rockers Klaxons are putting out a free EP that features five new tracks. Sorry, Nana, but we'll be too busy downloading tracks to hear about Uncle Frank's colonic. [LINK]

Smith Westerns announce 2011 tour dates: If you love you some Brit-pop-inspired indie rock, then Smith Westerns will be the soundtrack of your 2011. Their new LP, Dye It Blonde, hits stores on January 18 and the band will be touring the U.S. and Canada throughout the early part of the year. Plus, if you can't wait that long, check out the video for their single "Weekend" now and enjoy watching as the band eat cheese fries and smoke cigarettes. [LINK]

Duran Duran "All You Need Is Now" video: When Duran Duran were in their heyday, they were busting out sexy videos that featured tigers and wrestling matches. The sexy ladies and big shoulder pads may be gone, but the band still know a thing or two about being stylish. Check out their video for "All You Need Is Now" and try to prove to us otherwise. We'll bet all the spandex and hairspray in our closet you can't. [LINK]

The Radio Dept. announce 2011 tour dates: 2010 was a good year for Swedish indie-pop vets The Radio Dept. They put out a great album in Clinging to a Scheme and they garnered a Swedish Grammy nomination (better than a Juno, that's for sure!). Now, as 2011 nears ever so closer, the band is getting ready to rock the big 2-0-1-1 with a boatload of North American tour dates and a singles collection that gathers together their big hits from 2002-2010. We're glad Sweden has so much talent to share with us. [LINK]

Consequence of Sound's Guide to New Year's Eve: This New Year's Eve, you could go to some lame house party, have too much to drink, and awkwardly hit on your ex. Instead, why not take advantage of our obsessive compulsive listmaking and head to one of these awesome New Year's Eve performances by artists ranging from Phish to Jay-Z and in cities across the country. That way, you can still get tipsy, enjoy live music, and there's no need for that next morning apology text. A win-win! [LINK]

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